Dhanbad Drowning: Four Bodies Found, Two Youths Missing
A tragic incident occurred in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, where six youths drowned in the Damodar River while participating in a ritual bath during Kartik Purnima. As of Thursday, four bodies have been recovered, and search efforts are ongoing for the remaining two individuals.
Incident Overview
On Wednesday, a group of youths gathered at the Damodar River near the Telmocho Bridge along the Dhanbad-Bokaro highway to observe the Kartik Purnima festival, which involves taking a holy dip in the river. The group consisted of two separate sets of ten youths each.
The first group, hailing from Bhimkanali under the Baghmara police station, entered the river around 11 a.m. Unfortunately, five members were swept away by the strong current. While villagers managed to rescue three, two others, identified as Sumit Rai (17) and Sunny Chauhan (21), remain missing.
The second group, which included Vijay Yadav, Rohit alias Chhotu, Rohan alias Golu, Priyanshu, and Anish from Bhuli A-Block, also faced tragedy. While Priyanshu stayed on the riverbank, the other four ventured into the water. When they failed to return, Priyanshu alerted their families, prompting a search for the missing youths.
Community Response
Tension escalated in the area as the search for the missing youths extended into Thursday morning without success. Agitated locals and family members blocked the Dhanbad-Bokaro main road, demanding immediate action and a more effective rescue operation.
In response, police and civil administration officials arrived to address the situation and encouraged the protesters to lift the blockade. Community members expressed concerns about illegal sand mining in the Damodar River, claiming it has altered the river’s depth and flow, thereby increasing the risk of drowning incidents. They urged the administration to take stringent measures to prevent future tragedies.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Baghmara Block Development Officer Girjanand Kisku confirmed that four bodies have been recovered, while the search for the remaining two youths continues. He noted that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team had not yet arrived at the scene, but the search operation would intensify once they do.
FAQs
What caused the drowning incident in Dhanbad?
The incident occurred during a ritual bath for Kartik Purnima, where six youths entered the Damodar River and were swept away by a strong current.
How many bodies have been recovered so far?
As of Thursday, four bodies have been recovered from the river, while search efforts are ongoing for the two missing youths.
What are the community concerns regarding the river?
Local residents have raised concerns about illegal sand mining in the Damodar River, claiming it has changed the river’s depth and flow, increasing the risk of drowning incidents.
Conclusion
The drowning incident in Dhanbad has left the community in mourning as search efforts continue for the two missing youths. Local authorities are urged to address safety concerns related to the river to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The situation remains fluid as families await further updates on the search operation.
The Damodar River, which flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal, has a history of being both a source of livelihood and a site of danger, particularly during festivals when large crowds gather for rituals. Kartik Purnima, celebrated by many Hindus, often sees increased activity along the riverbanks, leading to heightened risks associated with water safety. The incident underscores the need for greater awareness and preventive measures during such events, especially in areas known for strong currents.
Local authorities have been urged to implement safety protocols, such as the presence of lifeguards and warning signs, to mitigate risks during religious gatherings. Additionally, the issue of illegal sand mining has been a longstanding concern, as it not only alters the river’s natural flow but also poses environmental hazards. Community leaders have called for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect the river and its users, emphasizing the importance of preserving both safety and cultural practices.
As the search for the two missing youths continues, families and community members remain hopeful for a positive outcome. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures along the river, as well as the importance of educating the public about the dangers of swimming in fast-moving waters.
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